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Posted Tue June 10, 2014

The Life and Death of an Indie-Rock Prince

Much will be written about this in-depth piece about the life and unfortunate death of Ben Todd. Largely because it’s running in Spin and it paints Todd as a foregone conclusion – beyond reach in his determined goal to take his own life. 

I did not know Ben Todd well but can safely say that this piece largely misrepresents the people that did know him well. He did a great service to Nashville and was, obviously, in need of help. 

I am hesitant to point anyone in the direction of the article as it certainly shares personal details that probably shouldn’t be run in a national music publication. However, it does serve as  reminder that Nashville has something great to offer beyond what you’re reading from sources that don’t understand it. Ben Todd was one of those great things.

Also, listen to D. Watusi – always good.

Eef Barzelay & Ole Mossy Face – The Sound of Music City

Posted Mon June 9, 2014

How about five covers from The Sound of Music soundtrack as performed by Eef Barzelay and Ole Mossy Face to start your week? Eef’s voice has never let me down in the “painfully yearning” department and combined with Ole Mossy Face, they knock it out of the park reimagining these songs.

The By Gods – I Don’t Care Who Believes Me…

Posted Tue June 3, 2014

Yes, a million times, Yes. Straight up rock and roll with fist pumping attitude, throat ripping vocal conviction and yet still maintaing a healthy dose of singalong chorus. Yea, that’s right, I said “throat ripping” and I stand by it. Get in your car, crank this up and drive off into nowhere.

D. Striker – “Country Dance Off”

Posted Fri May 30, 2014

There’s something about the way D. Striker carries himself (and his music) that is perfectly laid back. His storytelling yarns are amusing but never stupid. His Friday the 13th parties return only once this year – June 13th, 2014. Don’t miss it. And don’t miss his breakdancing moves in the above video – ridiculous in all the right ways.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

The Minor Toughs – One for the Sun

Posted Thu May 29, 2014

Been enjoying this debut EP from The Minor Toughs, aka Ryan Ervin, for the past few days. If you’re a Carter Administration fan you’ll find his dulcet tones familiar and the pop-rock approach comforting. I’m quite partial to “Star Star” but they’ve all got that perfect sing-along anthemic chorus appeal.

Denney and the Jets – Bye Bye Queenie

Posted Thu May 29, 2014

Take some time to watch this excellent new video from Denney and the Jets for “Bye Bye Queenie” off of their full-length release, Mexican Coke. It features Makenzie from Birdcloud being as ridiculous as you’d expect – drinking, smoking, pissing in public, passing out in cars and riding a water buffalo (sorta). My favorite part is the various Nashville landmarks with some phenomenal paint jobs and typography but maybe that’s just me.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

Tipper Whore – Just the Tip

Posted Tue May 27, 2014

If you couldn’t tell from the title, the work of Tipper Whore is meant to be a little ridiculous. It’s fast, loose, a bit crass and most definitely fun. The band is playing this Friday at The Stone Fox and I imagine the show will be all of the above. 

Pale Houses – “Wayward Sire”

Posted Tue May 20, 2014

The official video for Pale Houses song “Wayward Sire” is a rather phenomenal piece of work. The dramatic lighting and smoke machine usage would have been enough to catch my eye but the narrative throughline with the couple is extra compelling. Director Seth Graves has really come into his own. Love it.

Oh, and Ryan Rayborn is easily in my top 3 Most Entertaining Drummers To Watch.. so there’s that too.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)